DOCSLIB.ORG

American Kestrel Falco Sparverius

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
American Kestrel Falco Sparverius Wyoming Species Account American Kestrel Falco sparverius REGULATORY STATUS USFWS: Migratory Bird USFS R2: No special status USFS R4: No special status Wyoming BLM: No special status State of Wyoming: Protected Bird CONSERVATION RANKS USFWS: No special status WGFD: NSS4 (Bc), Tier III WYNDD: G5, S5 Wyoming Contribution: LOW IUCN: Least Concern PIF Continental Concern Score: 11 STATUS AND RANK COMMENTS American Kestrel (Falco sparverius; kestrel) does not have any additional regulatory status or conservation rank considerations beyond those listed above. NATURAL HISTORY Taxonomy: American Kestrel is one of 13 kestrel species found throughout the world and thought to be the most recently evolved 1, 2. Seventeen subspecies have been recognized 3. F. s. sparverius breeds across North America, except for the southeastern United States where F. s. paulus is resident from southern Louisiana east to Florida 4, 5. Only F. s. sparverius is found in Wyoming 6. Description: Identification of American Kestrel is possible in the field. American Kestrel is the smallest falcon in North American, with long, narrow, pointed wings; a small, toothed bill; and a long, square-tipped tail. It is approximately the size of a Mourning Dove (Zenaida aurita) with females averaging larger than males. Kestrels are easily identified due to their bright colors and tendency to perch on wires and poles in open habitat. While foraging, they often hover facing into the wind using their wings and tails to stay in one place. Both males and females have two bold, black, vertical lines on their pale faces (one forming a “mustache” and the other extending through the auricular region), black “eye-spots” on the nape, and rusty colored backs with black spots (males) or barring (females). The male has slate-blue wings with black spots, while the female’s wings are reddish-brown with black barring. Males have a rufous tail with a black subterminal band and a light terminal band that ranges from white to rufous. Females also have a rufous tail but it is completely barred with black. Underparts of males range from buff to orange with varying amounts of black spotting on the sides and belly, while female underparts are ivory to buff with substantial brown streaking on the breast and belly 2. Page 1 of 7 Wyoming Species Account Distribution & Range: American Kestrel is a common summer resident in Wyoming, with breeding documented in all 28 latitude/longitude degree blocks in the state 7. It is the most widespread North American falcon, with a breeding range extending from central Alaska through most of forested Canada south through most of North, Central, and South America to Tierra del Fuego and the West Indies 2, 8. Northern birds from Alaska, Canada, and parts of the northern United States migrate south in winter to the southern United States and Mexico with some birds moving perhaps as far as Panama and northern South America 8. A male kestrel nesting in Jackson, Wyoming marked with a GPS Pinpoint tag in 2015 wintered approximately 130 km south of Mexico City (R. Crandall, pers. comm.). Habitat: In Wyoming, breeding occurs usually below 2,590 m, but migrants can be found at higher elevations. American Kestrel breeds statewide in a variety of open and semi-open habitats that also contain trees, cliffs, or other man-made structures that provide nesting cavities 6. Kestrels will use nest boxes and often nest close to human habitation 6. Range-wide, they can be found in a variety of semi-open habitats including meadows, grasslands, deserts, agricultural fields, cottonwood riparian, open parkland, and urban areas. Habitat is characterized by short ground vegetation, either in small or large patches, with suitable trees or other structures to provide perches and nest cavities 2. Phenology: A few American Kestrels winter in Wyoming, but most breeding birds return in April and May 6. Males arrive on territories before females often reusing the same territory in multiple years 9. When a female arrives, males initiate aerial displays, courtship feeding and lead females to different nest cavities for her selection 2. The species lays a clutch usually consisting of 4–5 eggs 10. Most eggs are laid every other day but can be 1 or 3 days apart 10. Kestrels readily renest if a clutch is lost. Incubation duration is usually 30 days, with young typically fledging at age 28–31 days 2. Young are dependent on adults for food for about 12–14 days post-fledging. Siblings stay together during the first 2 weeks and then associate with other nonrelated juveniles 2–3 weeks after fledging 11. Diet: The main foods taken by kestrels include terrestrial arthropods and small vertebrates 12. Primarily a “sit and wait” diurnal predator, individuals can use the same perch all day or change locations frequently 2. Hover-hunting is much less common 13. Insect prey species include grasshoppers (Orthoptera), cicadas (Cicadidae), beetles (Coleoptera), dragonflies (Odonata), spiders (Arachnida), and butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) 12. Small mammalian prey includes voles and mice (Cricetidae, Muridae), shrews (Scoricidae), and bats (Chiroptera). Birds taken are mostly small passerines 12. Diet varies by season and location. Mean diet composition based on number of prey items from 6 food-habits studies in the United States and Canada was 74% invertebrates, 16% mammals, 9% birds, and 1% herptiles 12. CONSERVATION CONCERNS Abundance: Continental: WIDESPREAD Wyoming: COMMON Page 2 of 7 Wyoming Species Account The total wintering population of American Kestrel is estimated to be 236,000 in the United States and southern Canada 9. The North American breeding population is estimated to be greater than 1.2 million pairs 14. Using North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data, the Partners in Flight Science Committee estimated the global population of American Kestrel to be 4 million birds 15. Approximately 2.1% of the global population, or approximately 90,000 birds, is estimated to breed in Wyoming 16. The statewide rank of COMMON is based on the relatively large area of the state known to be occupied in any given season, and the large coverage of suitable habitat within that area. Within suitable habitat in the occupied area, American Kestrel also appears to be common and is usually encountered during surveys that could be expected to indicate its presence 7. American Kestrel density (number of birds per square km) and population size estimates for Wyoming are available from the Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions (IMBCR) program for the years 2009–2015 17. Population Trends: Historic: UNKNOWN Recent: MODERATE DECLINE Statistically significant population trends calculated from BBS data from 1968–2013 indicate that American Kestrel numbers in Wyoming declined by 1.30% annually (95% CI: -2.08 to - 0.53) 18. Trends from BBS data from 1966–2008 in the Northern Rockies Bird Conservation Region (BCR 10) indicated a 55% population decline (N = 202 routes), while in the Badlands and Prairies Conservation Region (BCR 17) a smaller decline of 3% was estimated (N = 96 routes) 18, 19. Intrinsic Vulnerability: MODERATE VULNERABILITY As North America’s most abundant bird of prey, with a distribution across most of North America, American Kestrel would appear to be a species at little to no risk. However, BBS data have shown steep declines in breeding adults in a number of widespread regions from New England to the Rocky Mountains 18, 19. Many aspects of its life history increase the vulnerability of the American Kestrel compared to other raptor species: it is the smallest North American falcon and a secondary cavity nester that is vulnerable to disease. It also forages on insects and small mammals which can expose it to a variety of contaminants and secondary poisoning. It also can nest and forage close to human developments and busy roads which expose it to additional hazards. Extrinsic Stressors: MODERATELY STRESSED Although causes for population declines have not been determined, four major factors have been suggested: 1) habitat loss such as conversion of agricultural fields to urbanization or habitat degradation/change (succession of fields to forests) which can lead to a lack of nesting cavities or greatly reduce food resources, 2) contaminants such as flame retardant chemicals and pesticides which can impact reproductive success or cause direct mortality, 3) increased predation by other raptors especially Cooper’s Hawk which has been increasing in numbers in some areas of the country, and 4) exposure to the West Nile virus to which kestrels are highly susceptible 2, 9, 19. Other possible factors for population declines include decreases in Northern Flicker nesting populations which would reduce the number of nesting cavities, vehicle collisions as kestrels often forage on wires along roadways, and climate change effects that can result in drought and disruption of traditional movement and breeding patterns 2, 19. It has also Page 3 of 7 Wyoming Species Account been shown that captive kestrels have reduced hatching success and other physiological changes after exposure to electric and magnetic fields from electrical transmission lines 2. Take for falconry or from shooting are thought to be minimal 2. KEY ACTIVITIES IN WYOMING The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) designates American Kestrel as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). Current statewide activities for monitoring population trends for American Kestrel in Wyoming include the BBS program conducted on 108 established routes since 1968 and the multi-partner IMBCR program initiated in 2009. Trend data are available on the United States Geological Survey BBS website 18, and occupancy, density, population estimates, and decision support tools are available through the Rocky Mountain Avian Data Center 17. The only ongoing research on kestrels in Wyoming is the Teton Kestrel Project by Craighead Beringia South, a nonprofit wildlife research institute in Jackson, Wyoming 20.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • American Kestrel, Falco Sparverius
    American Kestrel, Falco sparverius Status: State: Threatened Federal: Not listed Identification The American kestrel is the smallest and most widely distributed falcon in North America (Smallwood & Bird 2002, Hawk Mountain n.d.). At first glance, kestrels are often confused with other small birds such as mourning doves because of their propensity to perch on utility lines (Hawk Mountain n.d.). Kestrels however, have larger more roundish heads and often tip or “bob” their tails while perched. In flight, kestrels have a diagnostic flight pattern of quickly alternating between rapid wing beating and gliding. With proper lighting, their colorful plumage can further aid in positive identification. Kestrels are both sexually dimorphic and dichromatic; therefore sexing can be done at a distance and in chicks as young as three weeks (Hawk Mountain n.d.). Males are on average 10% smaller than females though this may be hard to ascertain in the field (Hawk Mountain 1997, Smallwood & Bird 2002). Males are more colorful, with bluish- gray wings (with or without black barring) and rufous (reddish-brown) tails. A single black bar tipped in white extends across the terminal end of the largely unmarked tail. Females are rufous on their wings and tails, often with multiple black bars extending horizontally along the length (Hawk Male American Kestrel Mountain n.d.). Plumage is highly variable © Jim Gilbert among individuals (Smallwood & Bird 2002). Both sexes exhibit grayish crowns and rufous crown patches with two vertical black stripes down their white cheeks. Black “eyespots on the back of their heads are thought to aid in reducing predation on kestrels by larger birds of prey- giving the illusion of predator awareness.
    [Show full text]
  • Wildlife of the North Hills: Birds, Animals, Butterflies
    Wildlife of the North Hills: Birds, Animals, Butterflies Oakland, California 2005 About this Booklet The idea for this booklet grew out of a suggestion from Anne Seasons, President of the North Hills Phoenix Association, that I compile pictures of local birds in a form that could be made available to residents of the north hills. I expanded on that idea to include other local wildlife. For purposes of this booklet, the “North Hills” is defined as that area on the Berkeley/Oakland border bounded by Claremont Avenue on the north, Tunnel Road on the south, Grizzly Peak Blvd. on the east, and Domingo Avenue on the west. The species shown here are observed, heard or tracked with some regularity in this area. The lists are not a complete record of species found: more than 50 additional bird species have been observed here, smaller rodents were included without visual verification, and the compiler lacks the training to identify reptiles, bats or additional butterflies. We would like to include additional species: advice from local experts is welcome and will speed the process. A few of the species listed fall into the category of pests; but most - whether resident or visitor - are desirable additions to the neighborhood. We hope you will enjoy using this booklet to identify the wildlife you see around you. Kay Loughman November 2005 2 Contents Birds Turkey Vulture Bewick’s Wren Red-tailed Hawk Wrentit American Kestrel Ruby-crowned Kinglet California Quail American Robin Mourning Dove Hermit thrush Rock Pigeon Northern Mockingbird Band-tailed
    [Show full text]
  • Life History Account for Peregrine Falcon
    California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Interagency Wildlife Task Group PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus Family: FALCONIDAE Order: FALCONIFORMES Class: AVES B129 Written by: C. Polite, J. Pratt Reviewed by: L. Kiff Edited by: L. Kiff DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, AND SEASONALITY Very uncommon breeding resident, and uncommon as a migrant. Active nesting sites are known along the coast north of Santa Barbara, in the Sierra Nevada, and in other mountains of northern California. In winter, found inland throughout the Central Valley, and occasionally on the Channel Islands. Migrants occur along the coast, and in the western Sierra Nevada in spring and fall. Breeds mostly in woodland, forest, and coastal habitats. Riparian areas and coastal and inland wetlands are important habitats yearlong, especially in nonbreeding seasons. Population has declined drastically in recent years (Thelander 1975,1976); 39 breeding pairs were known in California in 1981 (Monk 1981). Decline associated mostly with DDE contamination. Coastal population apparently reproducing poorly, perhaps because of heavier DDE load received from migrant prey. The State has established 2 ecological reserves to protect nesting sites. A captive rearing program has been established to augment the wild population, and numbers are increasing (Monk 1981). SPECIFIC HABITAT REQUIREMENTS Feeding: Swoops from flight onto flying prey, chases in flight, rarely hunts from a perch. Takes a variety of birds up to ducks in size; occasionally takes mammals, insects, and fish. In Utah, Porter and White (1973) reported that 19 nests averaged 5.3 km (3.3 mi) from the nearest foraging marsh, and 12.2 km (7.6 mi) from the nearest marsh over 130 ha (320 ac) in area.
    [Show full text]
  • Fascinating Falcons
    48 Fascinating Falcons Falcons, worshipped as the "Lofty Ones," appeared in the writings, paintings, and sculptures of the early Egyptians and Persians some 3,000 years ago. References to the grace and power of falcons appeared during the times of Aristotle and Marco Polo. During the Middle Ages, owning falcons, particularly peregrine falcons, became a symbol of power. Peregrines were sought by kings and other nobility as valuable gifts. Falcons are swift birds of prey found throughout the world, except for a few oceanic islands and Antarctica. The 58 species of the falcon family range in size from the 6.5-inch pygmy falcon of South America to the 25-inch gyrfalcon of the Arctic tundra. The smallest North American falcon is the 9 to 12-inch American kestrel, and the rarest North American falcon is the aplamado falcon. Members of the falcon family have a conspicuous notched bill which is used to break the necks of their prey. Falcons have excellent eyesight. Experiments in Germany confirmed that peregrine falcons can recognize sitting doves from a distance up to 1.5 miles. With high-speed adaptations such as bullet-like heads, short necks, broad shoulders, and long, pointed wings, falcons are among the fastest birds in the world. Peregrines are considered the fastest falcons; they are able to cruise in level flight at 50-60 miles an hour and have been clocked at more than 200 miles per Peregrine Falcon hour in their dives after prey. The peregrine falcon's speed and grace make it one of the most interesting falcons to watch or study.
    [Show full text]
  • Rock Kestrel
    264 Falconidae: falcons and kestrels brooding young. Therefore the small increase in reporting rates in six of the eight Zones during winter is probably related to seasonal changes in conspicuousness, rather than to any large- scale influx of migrants from outside the region. Reporting rates for the Tarkastad district, for example, increased during winter, while direct observation showed that over half of the population actually left the area (Van Zyl 1994b). Although the models do not suggest movements within southern Africa, a more detailed analysis of Rock Kestrel movements in South Africa, largely based on a more refined examination of atlas reporting rates, suggested a northerly and easterly movement away from south- western breeding areas during winter (Van Zyl et al. 1994). Breeding: Breeding was recorded in all Zones, mainly September–January, peaking October–December. There are no obvious seasonal differences between the Zones, although in the eastern Cape Province (Zone 8) it bred slightly later than in the rest of the region. Interspecific relationships: It overlaps widely with Greater and Lesser Kestrels in southern Africa. It moves into the eastern grassland habitats most exploited by the Lesser Kestrel during the winter when that species is absent (Van Zyl et al. 1994). Historical distribution and conservation: Boshoff et al. (1983) found no difference in distribution in the Cape Prov- ince, comparing the periods 1700–1969 and 1970–79. The distrib- ution map similarly shows no change in distribution, the species being largely absent from the central Kalahari regions and the far northeast during all three time periods, although the map shows Rock Kestrel many more records from the western Karoo, presumably due to Rooivalk better coverage.
    [Show full text]
  • Nest Success of Southeastern American Kestrels Associated with Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers in Old-Growth Longleaf Pine Habitat in Northwest Florida
    2004SOUTHEASTERN NATURALIST 3(2):191–204 Nest Success of Southeastern American Kestrels Associated with Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers in Old-Growth Longleaf Pine Habitat in Northwest Florida 1,* 2 1,3 KATHLEEN E. GAULT , JEFFREY R. WALTERS , JOSEPH TOMCHO, JR. , 1,4 1,5 LOUIS F. PHILLIPS, JR. , AND ANDREW BUTLER Abstract - The Southeastern American Kestrel (Falco sparverius paulus), a non-migratory subspecies of the widespread American Kestrel, has declined to the point that it is listed as threatened in Florida, the state in which it is most common. We studied the nesting biology of Southeastern American Kestrels in 1999 and 2000 at Eglin Air Force Base, FL, in old-growth longleaf pine sa- vanna, a habitat type historically widely occupied by the kestrels. Most of the nest cavities we observed were in old-growth trees, both living and dead, and were originally excavated by Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (Picoides borealis) and then enlarged by other woodpecker species. Nesting success was 70% in 1999 and 56% in 2000. In 1999, 67% of eggs survived to become fledglings in successful nests, as did 58% in 2000. Nests in live pines and snags were equally successful, and nest success was positively related to cavity height in 1999. Reduced nesting success in 2000 may have been related to severe drought conditions. High nesting concentrations of up to 4 pairs per km2 were observed. We suggest that stands of old-growth longleaf pine, with little or no hardwood midstory and a relatively high number of snags, inhabited by Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, may constitute high quality habitat for Southeastern American Kestrels.
    [Show full text]
  • New Insights Into the Phylogenetics and Population Structure of the Prairie Falcon (Falco Mexicanus) Jacqueline M
    Doyle et al. BMC Genomics (2018) 19:233 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-018-4615-z RESEARCH ARTICLE Open Access New insights into the phylogenetics and population structure of the prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus) Jacqueline M. Doyle1,2*, Douglas A. Bell3,4, Peter H. Bloom5, Gavin Emmons6, Amy Fesnock7, Todd E. Katzner8, Larry LaPré9, Kolbe Leonard10, Phillip SanMiguel11, Rick Westerman11 and J. Andrew DeWoody2,12 Abstract Background: Management requires a robust understanding of between- and within-species genetic variability, however such data are still lacking in many species. For example, although multiple population genetics studies of the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) have been conducted, no similar studies have been done of the closely- related prairie falcon (F. mexicanus) and it is unclear how much genetic variation and population structure exists across the species’ range. Furthermore, the phylogenetic relationship of F. mexicanus relative to other falcon species is contested. We utilized a genomics approach (i.e., genome sequencing and assembly followed by single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping) to rapidly address these gaps in knowledge. Results: We sequenced the genome of a single female prairie falcon and generated a 1.17 Gb (gigabases) draft genome assembly. We generated maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees using complete mitochondrial genomes as well as nuclear protein-coding genes. This process provided evidence that F. mexicanus is an outgroup to the clade that includes the peregrine falcon and members of the subgenus Hierofalco. We annotated > 16,000 genes and almost 600,000 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the nuclear genome, providing the raw material for a SNP assay design featuring > 140 gene-associated markers and a molecular-sexing marker.
    [Show full text]
  • Falco Peregrinus Tunstall Peregrineperegrine Falcon,Falcon Page 1
    Falco peregrinus Tunstall peregrineperegrine falcon,falcon Page 1 State Distribution Best Survey Period Copyright: Rick Baetsen Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Status: State Endangered Dakota, Florida, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Nevada. In Mexico, Global and state rank: G4/S1 peregrine falcon is present on the Baja Peninsula, islands of the Gulf of California, and northwestern Family: Falconidae – Falcons states of the mainland. Breeding also confirmed for eastern Cuba and the Dominican Republic (White et al. Total range: While having one of the most extensive 2002). global distributions, peregrine falcons were never abundant anywhere, due to its specific habitat State distribution: Barrows (1912) noted that the requirements and position in the food web as a top peregrine falcon was “nowhere common” and Wood predator (Hess 1991). The species was formerly (1951) called the species a rare local summer resident extirpated throughout much of its original range due to in northern counties along the Great Lakes. Isaacs exposure to organic chemicals such as DDT, and (1976) described ten historical nesting sites in Michigan: reoccupancy and restoration is still incomplete (White et Goose Lake escarpments, Huron Islands, Huron al. 2002). Three subspecies occur in North America, Mountains, and Lake Michigamme in Marquette with F. p. anatum being the subspecies that breeds in County; Grand Island and Pictured Rocks in Alger Michigan. Payne (1983) noted that F. p. tundrius is an County; Garden Peninsula of Delta County; Isle Royale occasional transient in the State. See White et al. in Keweenaw County; Mackinac Island in Mackinac (2002) and citations therein for a detailed description of County; and South Fox Island in Leelanau County.
    [Show full text]
  • Unusual Predatory and Caching Behavior of American Kestrels in Central Missouri
    UNUSUAL PREDATORY AND CACHING BEHAVIOR OF AMERICAN KESTRELS IN CENTRAL MISSOURI BRIAN TOLAND ABSTRACT- Caching behavior of the AmericanKestrel (Falco sparver/us) was studied 1981-1983 in BooneCounty, Missouri.Both wild prey and quarry thrown from car windowswere cached.Kestrels cached food 116 timesand retrievedit 77.5%of thetime. Males cached food in elevatedsites (at least 4 m high)64% of thetime while females did so only20%. During spring and summer, 93% of the preyitems were cached uneaten. During fall andwinter, only 42% of the foodcached was uneaten. When a surplusof preywas created by releasingseveral mice at a time,kestrels killed them whileflying to theircache sites. These prey items were stored in the samecache site. Apparently, caching behavior of AmericanKestrels is not directlycorrelated with the lengthof time betweenfeedings, and cachingbehavior operates independentlyof fooddeprivation, especially in springand summer. Many reptorshave been observed caching prey. cache,weather conditions, time of day, and durationof caching Mueller(1974) provided a reviewof foodstoring in sequence.Additional live prey was thrown from my carwindow to kestrelsperched within 25 m of roads.The prey thrown were severalcaptive species.Among the falconiforms, brown,gray, white and blackHouse Mouse (Mus musculus) and preycaching seems to be mostdeveloped and wide- HouseSparrows (Passer domesticus) with several primaries pulled to spreadin falcons.Published records of cachingin- ensuretheir captureby kestrels. clude those for the Merlin (Falco columbarius) RESULTS AND DISCUSSION (Greaves1968; Oliphant and Thompson 1976; Pitcheret al. 1982),American Kestrel (F. sparverius) During the 2 yr study 1210 h of observationof (Pierce 1937; Tordoff 1955; Roest 1957; Stendell kestrels were made and 30 kestrels were seen cach- and Waian 1968; Balgooyen1976; Collopy1977), ing prey a total of 116 times.
    [Show full text]
  • Syringeal Morphology and the Phylogeny of the Falconidae’
    The Condor 96:127-140 Q The Cooper Ornithological Society 1994 SYRINGEAL MORPHOLOGY AND THE PHYLOGENY OF THE FALCONIDAE’ CAROLES.GRIFFITHS Departmentof Ornithology,American Museum of NaturalHistory and Departmentef Biology, City Collegeof City Universityof New York, Central Park West at 79th St., New York, NY 10024 Abstract. Variation in syringealmorphology was studied to resolve the relationshipsof representativesof all of the recognized genera of falcons, falconets, pygmy falcons, and caracarasin the family Falconidae. The phylogenyderived from thesedata establishesthree major cladeswithin the family: (1) the Polyborinae, containingDaptrius, Polyborus, Milvago and Phalcoboenus,the four genera of caracaras;(2) the Falconinae, consistingof the genus Falco, Polihierax (pygmy falcons),Spiziapteryx and Microhierax (falconets)and Herpetothe- res (Laughing Falcon); and (3) the genus Micrastur(forest falcons) comprising the third, basal clade. Two genera, Daptriusand Polihierax,are found to be polyphyletic. The phy- logeny inferred from these syringealdata do not support the current division of the family into two subfamilies. Key words: Falconidae;phylogeny; systematics; syrinx; falcons; caracaras. INTRODUCTION 1. The Polyborinae. This includes seven gen- Phylogenetic relationships form the basis for re- era: Daptrius, Milvago, Polyborus and Phalco- searchin comparative and evolutionary biology boenus(the caracaras),Micrastur (forest falcons), (Page1 and Harvey 1988, Gittleman and Luh Herpetotheres(Laughing Falcon) and Spiziapter- 1992). Patterns drawn from cladogramsprovide yx (Spot-winged Falconet). the blueprints for understanding biodiversity, 2. The Falconinae. This includes three genera: biogeography,behavior, and parasite-hostcospe- Falco, Polihierax (pygmy falcons) and Micro- ciation (Vane-Wright et al. 199 1, Mayden 1988, hierax (falconets). Page 1988, Coddington 1988) and are one of the Inclusion of the caracarasin the Polyborinae key ingredients for planning conservation strat- is not questioned (Sharpe 1874, Swann 1922, egies(Erwin 199 1, May 1990).
    [Show full text]
  • Peregrine Falcon Falco Peregrinus Kingdom: Animalia FEATURES Phylum: Chordata the Peregrine Falcon Is Also Known As the Duck Class: Aves Hawk
    peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus Kingdom: Animalia FEATURES Phylum: Chordata The peregrine falcon is also known as the duck Class: Aves hawk. It averages 15 to 20 inches in length (tail tip to Order: Falconiformes bill tip in preserved specimen). Like all falcons, it has pointed wings, a thin tail and a quick, flapping Family: Falconidae motion in flight. The peregrine’s dark “sideburns” ILLINOIS STATUS are distinctive. The adult has a blue-gray back, while the chest and belly are white to orange with darker common, native spots and bars. The immature falcon has the same head and facial patterns as the adult but is brown on the upper side. The lower side of the immature bird is cream-colored with brown streaks. BEHAVIORS The peregrine falcon is a migrant, winter resident and summer resident in Illinois. It was extirpated from the state, reintroduced and populations have recovered. The peregrine falcon lives in open areas, like prairies, along Lake Michigan and around other rivers and lakes, especially if large flocks of shorebirds and waterfowl are present. It has also been introduced to cities. Spring migrants begin arriving in March. These birds previously nested in adult Illinois on cliffs and in hollow trees but now may nest on ledges or roofs of tall buildings or bridge © Chris Young, Wildlife CPR structures in urban areas. Three or four, white eggs with dark markings are deposited by the female, and she incubates them for the entire 33- to 35-day, incubation period. Fall migrants begin arriving in Illinois in August. This bird winters as far south as the southern tip of South America.
    [Show full text]
  • American Kestrel: Falco Sparverius, EC 1578 (Oregon State University Extension Service)
    Archival copy. For current version, see: https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ec1578 EC 1578 • December 2005 $1.00 American Kestrel Falco sparverius by J. Jones and S. Sells id you know that the American easy to attract them to your area. Kestrels kestrel is the smallest falcon in live near open fi elds and meadows. They D North America and the second hunt in open areas and fi nd shelter in smallest falcon in the world? The aver- nearby trees. They are found throughout age length of the American kestrel is 9 to North, South, and Central America. 12 inches, about the size of a robin. Kestrels have some interesting antics A falcon is a bird of prey, or raptor, that make them easy to identify. Look for which in Latin means “to seize.” Raptors kestrels on telephone wires along open have very good eyesight, a hooked beak, fi elds. If a robin-size bird is bobbing its and eight very sharp talons, all of which head and pumping its tail, it might be help them hunt and catch their prey. a kestrel. Their calls sound like a shrill Kestrels are one of the most abundant “killy killy killy.” raptors in North America, so it should be Photo: Noah Strycker Photo: Pete Albers, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Photo: Pete Albers, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research American kestrels like to perch on fence A nest box can provide a home for kestrels if tree posts or tree limbs while searching for cavities aren’t available. prey. Jenelle Jones and Sarah Sells, students in Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University.
    [Show full text]